“Walk Like an Egyptian” is one of those songs that instantly transports you back to the ’80s. It became a hit and has stayed in our memories for years. But how did this catchy tune come to life? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey behind “Walk Like an Egyptian,” from its creation to its global success.
The song was written by Liam Sternberg, who got inspired while crossing the English Channel on a ferry. The way people were struggling to keep their balance in rough waters reminded him of the ancient Egyptian figures in tomb paintings. This quirky inspiration led to the creation of one of the most iconic pop songs of the ’80s. It wasn’t long before the Bangles, with their catchy sound and fun style, made the song a massive hit!
Walk Like an Egyptian”: The Origins of a Pop Culture Sensation
The song was created by songwriter Liam Sternberg and was inspired by the way people on a ferry struggled to keep their balance in rough waters. This idea made him think of ancient Egyptian art, where people are often shown walking in a very specific, stiff way. It was a fun and quirky idea that turned into a global hit.
Table of Contents
The Bangles, an American all-female band, were the perfect group to bring this song to life. They recorded “Walk Like an Egyptian” in 1986, and it quickly became one of their biggest hits. The catchy beat and fun lyrics made it an instant favorite on the radio and TV.
The song’s popularity reached far beyond the United States. It became a chart-topping hit in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. The upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics made “Walk Like an Egyptian” a song that people still love to dance to today.
How “Walk Like an Egyptian” Became the Soundtrack of the 1980s
“Walk Like an Egyptian” didn’t just top the charts, it became a part of the culture. In 1986, the song made waves on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-known songs of that year. The song’s energetic vibe and catchy lyrics were everywhere, from school dance floors to family parties.
The success of the song helped push the Bangles’ album Different Light to the top of the charts. This was their most successful album, and “Walk Like an Egyptian” played a huge role in that success. Fans everywhere loved how the song mixed catchy music with fun lyrics that they could sing along to.
The song’s popularity wasn’t just limited to music lovers. It found its way into movies, TV shows, and even commercials. Everyone from children to adults enjoyed the infectious beat of “Walk Like an Egyptian.” The song became a symbol of fun, making it one of the most memorable tunes of the 1980s.
Behind the Lyrics of “Walk Like an Egyptian”: Exploring the Symbolism
The lyrics of “Walk Like an Egyptian” might seem lighthearted and fun, but they also carry a lot of symbolism. The idea of walking like an Egyptian refers to the unique style of figures in ancient Egyptian art. These figures are often shown walking in a very stiff, almost robotic manner. Sternberg used this visual as the inspiration for the song’s title and theme.
- The idea behind the song is playful, comparing modern people to ancient Egyptian figures.
- The lyrics highlight different characters, showing how people move in unusual ways, just like ancient Egyptians are depicted.
- The connection between the song and ancient Egyptian culture makes the song feel timeless.
While the song doesn’t dive deep into the history of Egypt, it uses these ancient symbols to create a fun and catchy image. The idea of “walking like an Egyptian” is a fun way to look at the past through a modern lens. It captures the essence of how music and culture can blend different eras.
The Bangles’ Take on “Walk Like an Egyptian” – A Mix of Fun and Flair
The Bangles brought “Walk Like an Egyptian” to life in their own unique way. With their fun and energetic style, they took a quirky song and turned it into a pop culture phenomenon. Each member of the band contributed to the song’s playful vibe, with Susanna Hoffs leading the vocals and bringing a lot of charm to the performance.
- The song’s playful rhythm and energetic vocals helped make it a fan favorite.
- The band’s fashion and style added to the fun vibe of the music video, making it even more memorable.
- The catchy chorus made it easy for fans to sing along, creating a sense of community around the song.
The Bangles were known for blending different musical influences, and this song is no exception. The mix of pop, rock, and new wave gave “Walk Like an Egyptian” its distinctive sound. Fans loved how the song was easy to listen to and fun to sing along with. This helped the Bangles solidify their place in music history.
How “Walk Like an Egyptian” Influenced Fashion and Dance in the ’80s
When the song hit the airwaves, it inspired a dance craze and even influenced fashion. The music video, which featured fun choreography and stylish outfits, had a huge impact on pop culture at the time.
- The “Egyptian” dance moves became very popular, with people mimicking the stiff, dramatic movements seen in the video.
- Fashion trends inspired by the video, like big hairstyles and bold clothing, became part of the ’80s style.
- “Walk Like an Egyptian” helped to push the idea that music could influence fashion and dance.
The way people danced to the song became iconic. Many fans took inspiration from the music video and created their own versions of the “Egyptian” walk. This fun, quirky dance became a popular move at parties, schools, and even on TV shows. It helped “Walk Like an Egyptian” stay relevant for years to come.
The Legacy of “Walk Like an Egyptian” in Modern Music
“Walk Like an Egyptian” continues to leave its mark on music today. Even though it was released in the 1980s, the song’s catchy tune and fun energy still inspire artists and listeners alike. The rhythm and unique style have influenced many artists in different music genres, from pop to dance music. New generations discover the song through social media and streaming platforms, which keeps the song’s legacy alive.
The song also paved the way for other bands and artists to experiment with quirky and playful themes in their music. The success of “Walk Like an Egyptian” helped establish the Bangles as one of the iconic girl bands of the era, and they remain an important part of music history. Their ability to blend humor, fun, and great music has inspired countless artists to explore these themes.
“Walk Like an Egyptian” and the Dance Craze Phenomenon
The song didn’t just create a wave in music—it also sparked a dance craze that swept across the world. People everywhere started to mimic the unique “Egyptian” walk seen in the music video. It became a popular move to show off at parties, schools, and in social gatherings.
The dance was fun and easy to learn, making it something everyone could join in on. Many people still remember how the stiff, slow-paced movements looked as if they were imitating Egyptian statues or ancient tomb figures. This created a connection between the song, the dance, and ancient Egyptian culture. “Walk Like an Egyptian” is still remembered as one of the most iconic dance moves in music history.
Walk Like an Egyptian” in Today’s Pop Culture
Even though “Walk Like an Egyptian” was released decades ago, the song still appears in pop culture today. It shows up in movies, TV shows, and even online trends, reminding fans of its place in history. Whether it’s on a nostalgic TV show or in an online challenge, the song’s quirky style and catchy chorus continue to bring smiles to people of all ages.
The influence of “Walk Like an Egyptian” goes beyond music and dance. It reminds people of how powerful music can be in shaping culture. By staying relevant in pop culture, “Walk Like an Egyptian” proves that some songs truly have lasting power. It’s not just a song—it’s a piece of history that still connects with audiences today.
The Fun and Quirky Nature of “Walk Like an Egyptian”
One of the reasons “Walk Like an Egyptian” became such a huge hit is because of its fun and quirky nature. Unlike many songs of the time, it didn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, it had a playful tone that encouraged people to have fun and let loose. This approach made it more relatable and enjoyable for a wide audience, making the song a favorite among people of all ages.
The quirky lyrics and catchy beat made it easy to remember. People could sing along, dance, and have a good time. This carefree attitude has kept “Walk Like an Egyptian” relevant over the years. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the fun vibe it carries with it. That’s why it’s still a beloved song that makes people smile every time they hear it.
Conclusion
It’s a fun, catchy tune that continues to influence music, dance, and pop culture today. Whether it’s the quirky lyrics, the playful dance moves, or the timeless beat, this song holds a special place in music history. It’s a reminder of how songs can stay with us for years, still making us dance and smile.
This song brought people together with its lighthearted fun and easy-to-learn dance moves. Over the years, “Walk Like an Egyptian” has remained a symbol of carefree enjoyment, showing us that sometimes, the best music is the kind that makes us laugh and dance without worrying about anything else. It’s the kind of song that never goes out of style, and that’s why we’ll always remember it.
FAQs
Q: What is the song “Walk Like an Egyptian” about?
A: The song is about having fun and dancing in a quirky way, inspired by ancient Egyptian art, where people are shown walking in a stiff, unique way.
Q: Who performed the song “Walk Like an Egyptian”?
A: The song was performed by The Bangles, an all-female band that became famous in the 1980s.
Q: When was “Walk Like an Egyptian” released?
A: “Walk Like an Egyptian” was released in 1986 as part of The Bangles’ album Different Light.
Q: Is there a dance move associated with “Walk Like an Egyptian”?
A: Yes, the song sparked a dance craze where people mimicked the stiff, exaggerated walking style seen in the music video.
Q: Why is “Walk Like an Egyptian” so popular?
A: The song is fun, catchy, and easy to dance to. Its quirky style and playful lyrics made it a favorite worldwide, and it remains popular to this day.
